Senator Stewart, District 13 — Press Release

Senator Linda Stewart: "It's Time for Florida to Ratify the ERA"

ORLANDO – In a year when a record-breaking number of women are running for political office, and the #MeToo movement has forced an accountability from unscrupulous men in positions of power, state Senator Linda Stewart wants Florida to finally codify constitutional protections for women by ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment.

“Surely, with the dawn of the #MeToo movement and the reckoning many powerful men have been forced to confront, Florida can join the 21st century to finally ratify the ERA and stop sexual discrimination and harassment in American culture,” said Senator Stewart. “For too many years, legislation has been filed, and it has yet to be heard. This is our year to put the ratification into Florida law and no longer be one of a handful of antiquated nay-sayers.”

Senator Stewart’s renewed call follows the ERA ratification earlier this week by the state of Illinois, the 37th state to do so. Only one more state from the remaining 13 hold-out states, which includes Florida, is needed.

Senator Stewart vowing to continue the fight many women lawmakers in Florida who preceded her waged for ERA ratification.

“Florida can be the state to enshrine women’s equality in the United States Constitution,” said the Orlando Democrat. “Our state can be the one to finally declare that in this nation, no matter where a woman lives or works, her rights under the law are fully protected.”